fig leaf
noun
1
: the leaf of a fig tree
2
[from the use by Adam and Eve of fig leaves to cover their nakedness after eating the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:7)]
: something that conceals or camouflages usually inadequately or dishonestly
Examples of fig leaf in a Sentence
Opponents claim that the humanitarian goals of the project are just a fig leaf, and that its real purpose is to make money.
Recent Examples on the Web
New Zealand Christmas trees, fig leaf plants and paspalum grass accent the outdoor living space.
—
Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025
His leadership team began weighing whether to offer Democrats a stand-alone vote on the expiring Obamacare subsidies around a week after funding lapsed, something Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) rejected as a fig leaf.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2025
The fig leaf conditional nature of the requirement makes little difference.
—Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Nothing passed, but Democrats at least got the fig leaf of a debate.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fig leaf
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Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025
His leadership team began weighing whether to offer Democrats a stand-alone vote on the expiring Obamacare subsidies around a week after funding lapsed, something Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) rejected as a fig leaf.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2025
The fig leaf conditional nature of the requirement makes little difference.
—Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Nothing passed, but Democrats at least got the fig leaf of a debate.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fig leaf
Cite this Entry
“Fig leaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fig%20leaf. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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